The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant William H. Gibbs, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of an airplane in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Aleutian Islands campaign, from 1 to 15 June 1942. In addition to flying night aerial patrol, Lieutenant Gibbs, facing tremendous anti-aircraft fire with utter disregard for his own personal safety, participated in bombing attacks on Japanese vessels in Kiska Harbor. His courageous persistence and conscientious devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.